Time lost all meaning, a pleasant blur measured only in shared breaths and entangled limbs.
It might have been minutes, or perhaps much longer. The specifics were irrelevant, lost somewhere in the intimate haze. The formerly energetic and mischievous Yuki Suo now lay nestled against him, utterly devoid of her earlier playful strength. Her cute face was flushed a charming shade of pink, her expression one of languid contentment.
The architect of her current state wore a triumphant, affectionate smile. "Well, Yuki? This is what you asked for, isn't it?"
Yuki cracked open one eye to glare at him, though the effect was spoiled by the deep satisfaction softening her features. "Onii-chan… you're terrible." Her voice was a husky whisper. "Is this… how you usually treat Yukinoshita-senpai and Mahiru-chan? Tch… you're way too skilled."
Hozuki Nozomi couldn't help but let out a soft, dry chuckle at her accusation. "It's a natural talent men are born with," he deflected casually. "As for the skill… isn't it all for Yuki's benefit? I honed my abilities just to give Yuki the best possible experience."
Yuki Suo raised a skeptical eyebrow, an amused glint returning to her eyes. "Such smooth lies. Should I go tell Yukinoshita-senpai and the others that they were all just practice tools for my brother?"
"Ah… some truths are better left as unspoken understandings," he replied with a wince and a sheepish grin.
"Hmph! So insincere!" Yuki pouted, but the expression held no real anger. She lifted a hand and gently thumped his chest. "Brother's silver tongue is getting sharper and sharper. But Yuki isn't worried! No matter how many sweet nothings you whisper to others, you'll always spoil me the most in the end!"
Nozomi leaned down and kissed her pouting lips, his voice dropping to a tender murmur. "I love Yuki the most. Which is why… about Kirino…"
Yuki's eyes flew open wide. "You… you absolute cad!" she hissed, though her indignation was undercut by her cozy position. "You're actually asking the sister who loves you most to help you charm some other little girl?"
"Ahem, well, wasn't I also trying to find a fellow enthusiast for you, Yuki?" he reasoned, stroking her hair. "Isn't it more fun to be an otaku with a friend? And three is even merrier than two…"
"Wah! Stop right there!" Yuki pressed a finger to his lips, her own lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "You just think 'the more, the merrier,' don't you? Honestly… Fine. Yuki has been super busy lately anyway, preparing to take over as Student Council President. I'll handle Kirino for you." A sly thought crossed her mind. Maybe I can even recruit her as my own little sister-in-arms. The number of girls around Onii-chan was growing. While things seemed harmonious now, factions could always form later. It wouldn't hurt to have her own allies.
"Then I'll leave it in your capable hands," Nozomi said, his fingers still gently carding through her soft hair. His gaze drifted over her smooth, flushed skin, and a different, more primal smirk touched his lips. "Yuki… it's still early. Why don't we… engage in some more activities beneficial to our physical and mental well-being?"
Yuki Suo rolled her eyes dramatically, but the refusal she might have offered never materialized. Instead, she hooked a slender finger at him, a coquettish challenge in her gaze. "What are you waiting for then, you scoundrel of an Onii-chan?"
Her face was still flushed, and a few stray strands of hair clung damply to her temples. In this moment, Yuki Suo's feminine allure was at its peak, an intoxicating blend of youthful vitality and newfound womanliness. Her appeal was simply irresistible.
Hozuki Nozomi needed no further invitation.
…
The next morning, pale sunlight filtered through the curtains as Hozuki Nozomi blinked awake. Yuki Suo was still curled against him, her head pillowed on his arm, a faint, contented smile playing on her lips even in sleep.
He was content to simply watch her peaceful sleeping face when the door slid open with a soft whisper. Ayano Kimishima peeked in, her own cheeks tinged with a faint, knowing pink. Her eyes took in the scene—Yuki nestled happily against him—and she adopted a professionally serious expression, though it couldn't mask her slight fluster.
"Shall I… notify the school to request leave for you and Yuki today?" she asked in a hushed tone.
"Ah, that won't be necessary," Nozomi replied softly, careful not to disturb Yuki. "Yuki isn't that fragile." Besides, as Frieren had explained, his own enhanced physiology now conferred subtle benefits to his partners. In time, the girls close to him would develop traces of magical energy themselves, gradually enhancing their vitality and longevity. Yuki would likely wake up feeling more refreshed than exhausted.
"I see." Ayano nodded, her duty seemingly fulfilled. She made no move to leave, however, standing quietly by the doorway in her specially chosen outfit for the morning: a classic black and white maid dress, complete with delicate lace trim. The skirt was modest yet elegant, but it was her legs that drew his appreciative gaze—adorned with white lace garters and sheathed in pristine, thigh-high white socks.
Suppressing a grin, Nozomi adopted a faux-serious expression. "Ayano, come here for a moment."
"Yes? What are your orders, Master Nozomi?" she responded immediately, stepping closer with practiced grace, though she couldn't miss where his eyes had lingered.
"Mmmph?!"
What nefarious intentions could he possibly have? They were merely the wholesome, affectionate impulses of a master toward his diligent little maid. He reached out, caught her wrist, and pulled her down onto the bed beside him before she could react, capturing her lips in a deep, claiming kiss.
Ayano Kimishima's eyes flew wide open. Her small hands came up to press lightly against his chest, not in rejection, but in a flustered attempt to maintain some balance and—more importantly—to avoid jostling the still-sleeping Yuki. Her cute, typically composed face rapidly flushed a deep, lovely scarlet.
Master Nozomi… is so bad! The thought spun in her head, tangled with a thrill that was not at all unpleasant. It was secretly… exciting. As his maid, what would her mistress Yuki think if she saw this? The clandestine nature of it sent another shiver through her.
Feeling the initial tension melt from her body as she gradually softened in his embrace, Nozomi glanced at the clock. It was still early. With a mischievous glint, he gently tugged her further under the covers, pulling the quilt over them both as he closed his eyes, savoring the moment.
…
By the time they gathered for breakfast, the morning had properly arrived. Yuki Suo, now dressed and full of energy, sat across from Ayano Kimishima. She regarded her maid with a smile that didn't quite reach her observant eyes.
"Ayano," Yuki began, her tone sweet yet laden with implication. "I've been thinking… you seem less and less like a proper little maid lately. You're becoming more like… a little cat who sneaks in to steal the fish when no one's looking."
"I-I'm deeply sorry!" Ayano immediately bowed her head, her guilt palpable. She moved to perform a formal dogeza right there on the dining room floor.
Hozuki Nozomi opened his mouth to intercede, but Yuki was faster. She reached over and placed a hand gently over his lips. "Shhh, Onii-chan. No interfering. I am educating my maid right now." Her gaze returned to Ayano. "Ayano. Come with me for a moment."
"Yes, Mistress Yuki."
The two girls disappeared into a nearby room. Once the door closed, Ayano stood at attention before Yuki, her expression the picture of obedient remorse. "Please instruct me, Mistress Yuki!"
Yuki Suo adopted a stern, cold expression, her voice dropping low. "Stand right there. And don't move."
"Understood!"
Yuki took a deep breath, her serious facade holding for a second longer… before it completely collapsed. With a sudden, mischievous grin, she lunged forward and buried her face into Ayano Kimishima's soft, fragrant chest, nuzzling against her vigorously.
"Mmm… mmmmph! There!" Yuki finally pulled back, beaming. "As expected, using Ayano's chest as a facial cleanser is the best! Remember this, Ayano. You are not just Onii-chan's maid; you are my maid too. So you must remember to please me as well, got it?"
A wave of relief and fond exasperation washed over Ayano. "Yes, Mistress Yuki."
"Good! Now, let's go back out." Yuki's eyes sparkled with playful conspiracy. "Hehe, do you think Onii-chan was worried I was being mean to you?"
Ayano simply offered a small, cute smile, offering no answer.
When they emerged, they found Hozuki Nozomi waiting for them, a warm, knowing smile on his face.
"All finished with the… educational session, Yuki?" he asked. "Ready for school?"
"Mhm…" Yuki walked over and poked his chest, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper meant only for him. "Weren't you even a little bit worried I'd punish your precious Ayano?"
Nozomi reached out and tenderly stroked her hair. "I know my Yuki. She's cute, gentle, and kind-hearted—a peerless, wonderful girl. I knew you wouldn't."
"Ugh, you're impossible to deal with," Yuki sighed, the mock frustration in her voice belied by the way she leaned into his touch. Immediately after, her expression shifted to one of triumphant pride. "Hmph! But just so you know, Onii-chan, you've fallen into my trap and can never escape! You're stuck with me forever now!"
"I was already stuck with you forever," he replied, his voice soft with sincerity.
"So cheesy~!" Yuki giggled, wrapping her arms around him in a brief, tight hug. "But say it more. Yuki loves hearing it!"